In The Sunday Junkie, our weekly reader-feedback feature, fans discuss all aspects of the MMA-stuffed weekend.

But this week’s winner, New York’s William Tracz, focused on UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens’ arrest and the bizarre turns of events that followed.

For his winning entry, William wins a free one-year subscription to “Fighters Only” magazine, the world’s leading MMA and lifestyle magazine.

Want to submit to next week’s edition of The Sunday Junkie? Scroll to the bottom of the page for instructions.

Also, as a reminder, please be sure to include your hometown and stick within the 150-word limit (and include your submission in the body of an email, not in an attachment). Many quality submissions this week didn’t meet those minimum guidelines and couldn’t be considered for publication.

(Pictured: Dana White)

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UFC A LAWLESS ORGANIZATION

For many years I always admired Dana White for “being different” than other pro commissioners/presidents. But his own personal-conduct policy is embarrassing to say the least. White’s decisions can often be described as mind-boggling. Take in point this past weekend with Jeremy Stevens. A fighter facing a felony charge of assault would have been permitted to fight at UFC on FX 5 if only he had been released from jail. A 26-year-old man was about to be rewarded for potentially bad behavior. Earlier this year Jon Jones faced a DWI, a very serious crime, with serious consequences. White would not even reprimand him publicly. This is what youngsters are supposed to look up to? Without getting all morally righteous with everyone, my point is that in pro sports this would not be a problem. Roger Goodell or David Stern would suspend the athlete without even thinking about it. Having fighters with legal troubles only perpetuates the stereotype of MMA guys being thugs or criminals. UFC fighters need to be responsible or their own actions, and if not, White needs to do his job and take action against bad behavior.

William Tracz
Clifton Park N.Y.

DANA WHITE SHOWS COMPASSION AMID THE CHAOS

During this past fight week, the UFC lost two preliminary-card fights on UFC on FX 5 due to unfortunate circumstances, but one familiar voice was noticeably absent: Dana White’s. Between paying Dennis Hallman $60,000 in “show” and “win” money, and then going down to the wire trying to bail out Jeremy Stephens so the youngster could fight, White showed a very different, almost father-figure-type encouragement toward Stephens and a forgiving, family-first compassion toward Hallman. For a man often labelled brash, cocky, outspoken and arrogant by fans and media alike, these actions proved to me there’s more behind the usual black suit and F-bombs: There’s a heart. Kudos, Dana!

Cody Ryan
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

GIVE FLYWEIGHTS MORE TIME TO DEVELOP

On Friday at UFC on FX 5, John Dodson earned his No. 1 contender’s status as he got a TKO victory over UFC newcomer Jussier Formiga. Despite the fact that the fight ended in a finish, which fans often criticize the flyweights for being unable to do, the fight didn’t happen without the occasional visit of the boo birds. The fact of the matter is that the first round of Dodson-Formiga contained little to no action. If fans want to boo, even though it may not be right, that is their prerogative as a paying customer. Ultimately however, the UFC and MMA fans need to let the flyweight division come into its own. Fans are getting tired of constantly hearing how fast and technical the flyweights are; we get it. Every division has technical fighters, so it;s a moot point. Give the division time to develop depth, and let the fights speak for themselves.

Robert Brown
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

THE BOOING NEEDS TO STOP

Watching two rounds of John Dodson vs. Jussier Formiga at UFC on FX 5, I heard the familiar sound of disgruntled UFC fans heckling the martial artists competing. After Dodson’s spectacular beatdown of a tough opponent, he asked the crowd, “Did I put out a knockout or what?” He received lackluster applause and plenty more booing. To these fans I say: Please respect the fact that these men put their bodies, careers, finances, families and emotions on the line every time they enter the cage. The ground game is a brilliant, patient and very dangerous art that should be appreciated. The striking is nothing like boxing. Tiny gloves and no knee or elbow pads mean big danger, and we should not expect a slugfest because these guys are not wearing sock ’em boppers – like in boxing. Please. Stop. Booing.

“JonesNinja”
Anchorage, Alaska

“BIGFOOT” PROVES HE’S STILL RELEVANT

A dominant, upset win over Fedor Emelianenko placed Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva among the cream of the crop of heavyweights. In the quarterfinal round of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix, though, Silva encountered the much smaller, undefeated Daniel Cormier. Cormier outworked “Bigfoot” rather easily and earned a first-round TKO win over the behemoth. Eight months later, Silva made his UFC debut and lost a bloody one-sided fight to former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. At this point, many wrote off “Bigfoot.” Fast forward to UFC on FX 5, where again, Silva faced an undefeated prospect in Travis Browne. Browne came into the fight as the favorite. Silva came into fight with something to prove. With a first-round KO of Browne, “Bigfoot” let the heavyweight division know he is still a man to fear. Fights with Stefan Struve, Frank Mir or the Brendan Schaub-Lavar Johnson winner could help to gauge where “Bigfoot” stands in the division.

Brandon Sibcy
Middletown, Ohio

“BIGFOOT” VS. “SKYSCRAPER” NEEDS TO HAPPEN

Spectators were not only shocked by the win Antonio Silva got over former top heavyweight contender Travis Browne at UFC on FX 5, but by the destructive TKO he delivered in the first round. A week ago, Stefan Struve defeated another top contender in Stipe Miocic, and finished him as well. Silva, who just finished Browne in the first round, would be a perfect matchup for a guy who was knocked out in the first round by the same man “Bigfoot” just destroyed. Browne did suffer a hamstring injury during the fight, but fighters don’t or shouldn’t make excuses. Plus Browne shouldn’t have come out thinking he was a ninja and throwing crazy spinning moves/kicks. He might have finished himself before Silva was able to capitalize. I take nothing away from Silva, which is why the guy the UFC was hoping would lose could spoil their day by taking out another new top contender in Struve.

Ben McPhee
Prescott Valley, Ariz.

STEPHAN BONNAR WILL WIN AT UFC 153

Now before you begin to prepare your expletive-rattled response to this, hear me out. I will give you three reasons as to why Bonnar will beat Anderson Silva this week at UFC 153. #) He is big. Here we have a man larger than Silva, a strong, and durable guy who can take an ass whoopin’ and keep moving forward. 2) His reach. Not many fighters have had a reach that is greater than Silva’s, and this will play a factor in Bonnar being able to set up his opponent. 3) He is American. If there is one man who can defeat Silva, it is one who has never been knocked out or submitted in the UFC, can take a tremendous beating, and have the good ol’ American bad ass never-say-die attitude. It takes an American to land on the moon, to conclude World War II, and to pull an upset in one of the greatest underdog combat stories of our time.

Nick Uppal
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I’LL TAKE DANA WHITE OVER THE ALTERNATIVE

I have heard multiple times over the past few months the people complaining about Dana White’s continuing tenure with the UFC. They say he badmouths this or that, his language is foul, his attitude stinks. Guess what: Rhe UFC, all major sports and the U.S., all need someone who will tell you the truth and what they believe in. Then, we need this leader to do exactly what they say. You don’t like the F word? Too bad. It’s a real word, and it’s not going away whether White uses it or not. Would you prefer a stuffed shirt, lying, card-reading fraud running your favorite organization? Maybe you want a fraud as your boss or wife or friend. Not me. Give me the truth, give me emotion, and give me a real product. Now go in your corner and turn on the water works.

Daniel Martinez
San Jose, Calif.

INVICTA FC 3 BODES WELL FOR COMPANY’S FUTURE

Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp mentioned earlier this week that Saturday’s event would answer whether Invicta FC’s “all-female” concept would either be a long-lasting success story or simply a temporary novelty for hardcore MMA fans. It appears we may have gotten our answer. Judging by the online reactions from fans and media members alike, Invicta FC impressed yet again with a top-class fight card that featured 10 stoppages in 14 fights, as well as its fair share of grueling battles. The card also showcased a foray of talent previously unknown to the vast majority of the MMA community adding to Knapp’s belief that there is currently enough women talent to create several extensive divisions. With the stars aligned in their favor, it is time to find out if Invicta FC can continue to build on their recent success and propel WMMA further than ever before.

Karim “KZidan” Zidan
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ROUSEY VS. SANTOS? NOT YET

I am hearing more about a match between Strikeforce champion Ronda Rousey and former champion Cris “Cyborg” Santos than I am about any other fight in the MMA world. While I am a huge fan of both ladies, I don’t think this matchup is appropriate just yet. Consider that “Cyborg” is coming off a one-year suspension for cheating with steroids. I think she should have one fight before Rousey to see how she fights without steroids (“Cyborg” might not be the ferocious beast we remember when she’s on an even playing field!). Give her one fight as a “tuneup”. I’m just sayin’.

David Feinblatt
Palatine, Ill.

CARWIN AND NELSON DOING LITTLE TO HELP “TUF”

After this past week’s episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 16,” I think Shane Carwin and Roy Nelson are the least entertaining coaches to be on the reality show. Going into it, we knew Carwin wouldn’t bring much as he seems to have about as much personality as a tree, but there was supposed to be some bad blood between them. Add in Nelson’s overall odd look/personality, and it seemed like it could be fun. As expected Carwin is contributing nothing other then a couple monotone descriptions of fights, but the alleged bad blood is nowhere in sight. Nelson is even more disappointing as he is rarely even talking. Prior to this season, I thought the worst coaches would always be Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos, but at least they were both top-five guys. I hope as we progress it gets better, but let’s just say I’m not holding my breath.

Joel Wielenga
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

LOW RATINGS DUE TO WATERED-DOWN CARDS

Another week, another UFC event with low ratings. I can recall days when we got one event a month, but the cards were stacked with big names, and they had a title fight. I think the current state of MMA/UFC has been flooded with fighters and events, and ultimately people enjoy doing something other than watching all of these “up-and-coming” fighters. Take, for instance, the Challengers series from Strikeforce. Zuffa and Showtime axed it in favor of events that featured big names and title fights. I think the UFC needs to retool its current show model and make better, deeper cards to ensure events are filled with top fighters from top to bottom, not just one exciting fight for a championship. And, apply this to the free FX/FUEL TV shows, and the ratings will increase. A Travis Browne vs. Antonio Silva main event?! Seriously, the FX/FUEL TV events are just Challengers series, and the casual fan is not interested in it.

Ryan Jernegan
El Paso, Texas

FANS’ EXPECTATIONS TOO HIGH, SO ENJOY THE CONTENDERS

Everybody is talking about the UFC and the lack of excellence in recent times. Some say the reason is the number of events. I think the UFC is doing things right, especially compared to the WWE. Some of you may not like comparisons like this because pro wrestling isn’t MMA. But as a former WWE fan, I saw the good old guys step away from wrestling and after that, there was no one left who made it exciting to watch because the WWE didn’t push them early enough. Maybe the UFC doesn’t always have the biggest names on a card, but they develop their talents to create new stars. And that Jake Ellenberger isn’t big enough for a main event (UFC 151) isn’t the UFC’s fault. We, as fans, are asking for bigger names instead of accepting that “no-names” can bring the same show like big names.

Tobias Lechner
Munich, Germany

WHY DO FANS WORRY ABOUT RATINGS?

Why do the hardcore MMA/UFC fans care about the ratings as much as they do? Each live TV broadcast is scrutinized by the MMA media, and rightly so, considering it’s news. But for some reason, the diehard fans seem to care what the numbers were almost as much as what happened at the event. I am a fan for life. I don’t care what platform it’s on – I’m watching MMA. Especially if it’s a UFC event. We should collectively stop worrying how many people watched “The Ultimate Fighter” and simply watch it, if interested.

Jacob Yarnold
Wellington, Fla.

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ALBANY, N.Y. – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC Fight Night 102 event at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. ET (2:45 p.m. PT). You can discuss the event here.

ALBANY, N.Y. – The way Gian Villante and Saparbek Safarov went at each other, it was clear neither man was interested in a tactical chess match. Instead, what they wanted was a brawl, and that’s exactly what they got, as Villante (15-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC) battered (…)

ALBANY, N.Y. – After missing weight for her second UFC bout, Justine Kish came out trying to bully octagon newcomer Ashley Yoder. At several points, it got Kish (6-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in trouble. But her relentless standup attack eventually won the day, with judges (…)